Chapter 1

Question 1

The tendency to believe, after learning an outcome, that one would have foreseen it.

Answer 1

Hindsight Bias

Question 2

An explanation using an integrated set of principles that organizes observations and predicts behaviors or events.

Answer 2

Theory

Question 3

A testable prediction, often implied by a theory.

Answer 3

Hypothesis

Question 4

A carefully worded statement of the exact procedures (operations) used in a research study.

Answer 4

Operational Definition

Question 5

Repeating the essence of a research study, usually with different participants in different situations, to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced.

Answer 5

Replication

Question 6

A descriptive technique in which one individual or group is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles.

Answer 6

Case Study

Question 7

A descriptive technique of observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations without trying to manipulate and control the situation.

Answer 7

Naturalistic Observation

Question 8

A descriptive technique for obtaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group.

Answer 8

Survey

Question 9

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Answer 9

Random Sample

Question 10

All those in a group being studied, from which samples may be drawn.

Answer 10

Population

Question 11

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.

Answer 11

Correlation

Question 12

A statistical index of the relationship between two things (from -1.00 to +1.00).

Answer 12

Correlation Coefficient

Question 13

Anything that can vary and is feasible and ethical to measure.

Answer 13

Variable

Question 14

A graphed cluster of dots, each of which represents the value of two variables. The slope of the points suggests the direction of the relationship between the two variables. The amount of scatter suggests the strength of the correlation (little scatter indicates high correlation).

Answer 14

Scatterplot

Question 15

Perceiving a relationship where none exists, or perceiving a stronger-than-actual relationship.

Answer 15

Illusory Correlation

Question 16

The tendency for extreme or unusual scores or events to fall back toward the average.

Answer 16

Regression toward the mean

Question 17

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (the dependent variable). By random assignment of participants, the experimenter aims to control other relevant factors.

Answer 17

Expieriment

Question 18

In an experiment, the group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Answer 18

Experimental Group

Question 19

In an experiment, the group not exposed to the treatment; serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Answer 19

Control Group

Question 20

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, thus minimizing preexisting differences between the different groups.

Answer 20

Random Assignment

Question 21

An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant about whether the research participants have received the treatment or a placebo. Commonly used in drug-evaluation studies.

Answer 21

Double Blind Procedure

Question 22

Experimental results caused by expectations alone; any effect on behavior caused by the administration of an inert substance or condition, which the recipient assumes is an active agent.

Answer 22

Placebo Effect

Question 23

In an experiment, the factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

Answer 23

Independent Variable

Question 24

A factor other than the factor being studied that might influence the study’s results.

Answer 24

Confounding Variable

Question 25

In an experiment, the outcome that is measured; the variable that may change when the independent variable is manipulated.

Answer 25

Dependent Variable

Question 26

The postexperimental explanation of a study, including its purpose and any deceptions, to its participants.

Answer 26

Debriefing

Question 27

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Answer 27

Mode

Question 28

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by adding the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.

Answer 28

Mean

Question 29

The middle scores in a distribution; half the scores are above it and half are below it.

Answer 29

Median

Question 30

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Answer 30

Range

Question 31

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Answer 31

Standard Deviation

Question 32

A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean and fewer and fewer near the extremes.

Answer 32

Normal Curve Distribution

Question 33

A statistical statement of how likely it is that an obtained result occurred by chance.

Answer 33

Statistical Significance

Question 34

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment is known as the _______________, while the outcome that is measured is known as the _______________.

Answer 34

independent variable; dependent variable

Question 35

An experimental psychologist needs to provide a visual representation of the direction and strength of a relationship between two variables. This would entail the use of a:

Answer 35

scatterplot

Question 36

In an experiment the _________________________ is exposed to the independent variable, while the _________________________ is not exposed to the independent variable and serves as a comparison to evaluate the effect of the treatment.

Answer 36

experimental group; control group

Question 37

In a ____________________ correlation, the scores rise and fall together; in a _____________________ correlation, one score falls as the other rises.

Answer 37

positive; negative

Question 38

Our tendency to perceive events as obvious or inevitable after the fact is known as:

Answer 38

hindsight bias

Question 39

Predictions based on theory are called:

Answer 39

hypotheses

Question 40

An experimental procedure where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is in the experimental or the control group is referred to as a:

Answer 40

double-blind procedure

Question 41

A bell-shaped distribution, in which most scores fall near the middle and fewer scores fall at each extreme is a:

Answer 41

normal curve

Question 42

Which of the three measures of central tendency is most easily distorted by a few very large or very small scores?

Answer 42

The Mean

Question 43

In a survey you need to establish a group of people who represent the country's entire adult population. To do this you will need to recruit a _______________ sample of the population.

Answer 43

Random